Autonomous university
Autonomous university typically refers to a university which exercises independent control over its day-to-day operations and curriculum. It is generally associated with Singapore universities, and implies that the sponsoring state does not have control over academic matters of the school. Conversely, universities that are not autonomous generally have their academic programs, curriculum, controlled, even dictated by the state's the Ministry of Education or government agency regulating higher education.
Alternatively, the term, along with the term "autonomous open university'", can characterize an entity that provides higher education on the Internet autonomously and without human presence or involvement. This differs distinctly from a "virtual" or "open" university which is a brand extension of a physical university on the Internet.